Ninth in the men's freestyle on Sylt, seventeenth on Fuerte, and the U20 Youth World Championship title in his pocket - yet the 17-year-old Takumi is still at school in his home country at Lake Hamana in Japan.
His style: light-footed precision. The technique: as it should be. In his heats on Sylt, he tricked closer to the shore (and shorebreak) than anyone else, for which he received a huge round of applause. When he happened to scurry past the surf stand afterwards, we asked the shy youngster for a chat. High time to introduce him.
Takumi, you move on the board as if you were born on it. When did you start windsurfing?
I started when I was six years old. Now I'm 17, which means I've been surfing for more than ten years.
How were you able to work your way up to such a remarkable level at such a young age? Do you get out on the water every day in your home town, Lake Hamana?
Yes, I'm actually on the water almost every day and don't have to travel far to the spot. It's just that I now have long school days more and more often - so unfortunately I don't make it every day like I used to.
When will you finish school?
I still have 1.5 years left. The plan is to go to university afterwards.
Will you still have enough time for training and competitions?
I hope so (laughs). I want to combine university and my windsurfing career as best I can.
Would you like to become a full professional at some point?
Only time will tell...
In the next five years, I want to win the world freestyle title."
You ride Severne equipment. Do you have any other sponsors?
Yes, I still have two local sponsors from Japan who support me on my travels.
What size board and sail do you think teenagers in your weight class should start with in freestyle?
The lighter and smaller, the better. Until last year, I even rode the compressed sail model called Redback from Severne before switching to the "big" freeks this year. I use the smallest freestyle boards between 72 and 86 litres.
How did you cope with the conditions here on Sylt?
Let me put it this way: those were the most difficult freestyle conditions I've ever surfed in.
But you didn't let that show. You even landed a clean shifty this morning.
Yes, but unfortunately not in the heat. That was during the warm-up. Well, next time I'll land one in the heat!
That sounds goal-orientated. What was your goal for the World Cup on Sylt?
A top 10 result - I just about managed that (grins).
And what are your general ambitions in windsurfing?
I always wanted to be world junior champion, and I've achieved that. So now the next step is to win the men's world title. I would like to win the title in the next five years.
Are you actually travelling around all by yourself?
I'm currently travelling with my friend Takuma (Sugi, editor's note). My parents are not with me. I lived with Dieter van der Eyken on the Canary Islands in the summer.
Dieter coaches Lina Erpenstein from the Severne team, among others. Are you also under his wing?
Yes, every now and then (laughs). Dieter helped me a lot. Especially in the wave in Cabezo, he was able to give me some helpful tips. I'm very grateful for that.
Does that mean you also attack in the wave?
Yes, I like the mix of freestyle and wave. You can do both on Tenerife, which is great (grins).
Will you go full throttle in both disciplines in the World Cup like your friend and compatriot Takuma Sugi?
(Laughs) Takuma really does everything... Personally, I think I'll concentrate on the freestyle discipline for now. I'll ride wave on the side.
What are you particularly looking forward to next season? Where is your next big trip going?
I'm going to fly to Bonaire - I'm really looking forward to it. As a big freestyle fan, I've heard and seen so much about it, but I've never been there.
Then let's get going! Good luck for the future Takumi.
Thank you!
Facts Takumi Moriya
- Age: 17 years
- Lake Hamana, Japan
- Profession: Student
- Height/weight: 170cm/57 kg
- Has been surfing since: the age of 6
- Regatta debut: 2016
- Discipline: Freestyle and Wave
- Achievements: U-15 Freestyle Champion PWA Fuerteventura 2019, U-20 Freestyle World Champion 2023
- Favourite spot: Fuerteventura
- Favourite move: Pasko
- Hobbies: Playing video games
- Sponsors: Cataler, Taiyosa-bisu, Severne
- Instagram: @takumi.moriya_j171
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Julian Wiemar
Editor surf
